2019 Dave Schroeder Outstanding Students

Chris Myrah and Susan Garcia

Susan Garcia and Chris Myrah recognized with prestigious college award

Each year Dakota County Technical College recognizes outstanding graduates in honor of the college’s first president, Dave Schroeder, who served from 1970–1999. Students are nominated by faculty and staff for their involvement in college initiatives and activities, academic performance and service to the community.

This year’s winners of the Dave Schroeder Outstanding Student Award are Chris Myrah, a 2019 graduate of the Medical Coding Specialist program, and Susan Garcia, a 2019 graduate of the Executive Assistant program. Chris and Susan’s hard work and dedication are an inspiration to their classmates and future DCTC students.

Originally from Arden Hills, Minnesota, Chris is a 1987 graduate of Mounds View High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Right after graduating from Moorhead, she moved to Paris, France, to teach English literature at the International School of Paris.

Chris’s twin children, Justin and Allison, 20, were born four months premature. Both children overcame obstacles associated with premature birth. Allie earned an A.S. in Education Foundations at Inver Hills Community College. She attends St. Cloud State University with plans to become an elementary school teacher. Justin is studying at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with the goal to become an oncologist.

Learn more about Chris by reading the DCTC News story:

Susan Garcia

Susan Garcia

Susan Garcia, 44, a native of Rosemount, Minnesota, is earning her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in the Executive Assistant program at Dakota County Technical College. A first-generation college student, Susan is graduating this May. Along with her degree, she’ll have her Multicultural Supervision certificate.

Susan’s career goals are linked to becoming an executive assistant for an international company. She’s also open to the idea of continuing her education at a university, Saint Mary’s or Metropolitan State, in a business-related program.

Susan’s husband, David, is senior director of field services at Best Buy. They have been together 24 years, married for 11. They have two children, Blasa, a 10-year-old girl, and Masedonio, a 4-year-old boy. Both are bilingual, speaking English and Spanish. David’s grandparents are from Mexico. Susan is the pack leader of two dogs, Abrazo, a 13-year-old chocolate Lab, and Azul, a 6-month-old blue great Dane. The family resides in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

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